Statues of Benjamin
Franklin and Joseph Henry, created by Daniel
Chester French, flank the old front entrance of Palmer Hall.

Benjamin Franklin was
one of the most eminent early American public servants, as well as an
important scientist, inventor and philosopher. He is the only Founding
Father to have signed all four documents crucial to the creation of the
country—the Declaration of Independence, the Treaty of Alliance
with France, the Treaty of Paris with Great Britain, and the Constitution
of the United States. His successful diplomacy in France was central to
that nation’s support of the American Revolution. The civic-minded
Franklin also organized the first fire department in Philadelphia, improved
the mail delivery system in the colonies and new states while serving
as postmaster, and helped establish an academy for higher education now
known as the University of Pennsylvania.

The placement
of Franklin’s statue on the Palmer Physical Laboratory paid homage
to his scientific and intellectual achievements. One of the first
to study electricity, Franklin’s famous kite experiment demonstrated
the electrical properties of lightning and led to his creation of the
lightning rod. He also invented bifocal eyeglasses, the iron furnace
“Franklin” stove, the odometer and the catheter. He
was the first scientist to study the Atlantic Gulf Stream during his frequent
trips to Europe, and while there he proposed the implementation of daylight-savings
time in the summer. Beyond the endless list of his accomplishments,
Franklin was one of the greatest American thinkers of all time. His publication
Poor Richard’s Almanack abounded with wisdom, wit and pithy sayings
that are still repeated today.